Fatal Illusions: A Novel [Paperback]

Adam Blumer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 5, 2009

An obsessive woman, a serial killer on the loose, and a sudden winter storm turn a sabbatical in the North Woods into a nightmare that the Thayer family may not escape alive.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

An amateur magician, an unassuming family . . . a fatal illusion Haydon Owens wants to be the next Houdini. He has been practicing his craft and has already made four women disappear. All it took was a bit of rope and his two bare hands. The Thayer family has come to the north woods of Newberry, Michigan, looking for refuge, a peaceful sanctuary from a shattered past. But they are not alone. Little do they know that they are about to become part of Haydon's next act. Time is running out and already the killer has spotted his next victim. Who will escape alive? “Fatal Illusions is an engaging, fast-paced read with a captivating storyline that grabs you from page one and doesn't let go. Highly recommended!”-Mark Mynheir, homicide detective and author of The Night Watchman “An awesome ride!”-Rosey Dow, Christy Award winning author of Reaping the Whirlwind “Adam Blumer tells a fast-paced story that weaves together a serial killer, a physically wounded pastor and his spiritually wounded wife. The twists and turns will keep readers guessing.”-Rick Acker, author of Blood Brothers Adam Blumer graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in a print journalism. Since childhood he has been writing stories and has since been published in a variety of periodicals. He lives in Michigan with his wife and their two daughters.

About the Author

Adam Blumer graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in a print journalism. Since childhood he has been writing stories and has since been published in a variety of periodicals. He lives in Michigan with his wife and their two daughters.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications (March 5, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825420989
• ISBN-13: 978-0825420986
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 1.2 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #965,303 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Adam Blumer is the author of two suspense novels, Fatal Illusions (Kregel) and The Tenth Plague (Kirkdale Press). A print journalism major in college, he works full time from home as a freelance writer and editor after serving in editorial roles for more than twenty years. He lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with his wife, Kim, and his daughters, Laura and Julia.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars No Illusion! This Guy Is Good! March 22, 2010

By Wolfe Moffat

Format:Paperback

Something interesting happened at Christmas time. I forgot something. And I knew I'd forgotten that I'd put a certain book on my Christmas list when I opened the present. Because there it was, "Fatal Illusions" was staring me right in the face. I'd asked my wife to consider getting it for me, and until I opened it, I didn't remember asking for it. And I was thrilled! But with all the reading I do, it took at least 3 months for me to get to it. I'm glad it didn't take me too long, because this was a great read. Especially for a debut. And Christian authors are giving approval as well. Thomas Phillips, Mike Dellosso, Mark Mynheir and Rick Acker, all giving this a smiling seal of approval.

What threw me at first was what this was all about. I thought it was about a famous future magician...nope. But the killer, Haydon Owens, is an amatuer, but is good at what he does. And with magician's rope, he does his deed, and he has yet to be caught. The Thayer family is now in his sights, especially the daughter, Crystal. And a hatred sparks the demented Haydon, and he's on a quest to take this young lady out, with Houdini-like precision.

The Thayer family is looking for a break as they enter Michigan. Pastor Marc is hoping for things to boil over at the church he works at in Chicago, and his family joins him on this sabbatical. Is the world crashing down on this family, or is God still in control?

So, now that I've finished this in what I consider record time, I'm here to tell you to please take a chance on newcomer Adam Blumer! He did a good job in setting things up, and making sure the story flowed, with a hint of a twist here and there. Hey, I think this guy is good. That's no illusion! And I'm looking forward to his next book. Send it my way!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a WINNER! October 13, 2009

By H. Collison

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Over the past 30 years, my favorite mystery author has been Robin Cook, with his medical mysteries. Well, move over, Robin --- I've just read an Adam Blumer mystery! WOW!!

I couldn't stop reading "Fatal Illusions" once I started... well, actually, I fell asleep reading it. Then, turned out the light, and slept for a few hours, and woke up 2 hours ahead of the alarm, just so I could finish it.

I loved the twists and turns in the plot. I also liked how the author wove in the spiritual threads, being subtle and yet concrete.

I'm looking forward to more novels by this author! Don't make us wait too long for the next one! I'm recommending this one to all of my mystery-loving friends!

I'm glad that I have this on my Kindle, so that I can go back and re-read it at any time.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fatal Illusions by Adam Blumer September 8, 2009

By C. Kendall VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Whoa! What a book! I wanted to read Fatal Illusions for two reasons. First, I heard it was a good book and second, because I thought it would be a good change from what I usually read. To say that I was impressed with this book would be an understatement. I can't tell you how many times I had to remind myself to breathe while I was reading this book. The setting of the North Woods of Michigan's Upper Peninsula added to the mystery of a killer on the loose and the beauty of God's love and care.

This book moves very quickly and keeps the reader engaged pretty much from the first page. There is a bit of a lull toward the beginning of the book, but it is necessary plot development, so it does not hurt the story at all. The author was just getting started.

Despite the fact that this book is an excellent suspense story, there is also a tender side to the story. The Thayer family is a loving, godly family, but they are also a grieving family and they need to learn to trust God and to forgive. I was impressed with the author's inclusion of Bible verses and biblical lessons throughout the story. These elements fit in perfectly and provided an excellent spiritual foundation for the story.

I very highly recommend this book to suspense lovers and to anyone who wants to read a book that is maybe different from your usual. So, bravo, Adam Blumer! If this debut novel is what readers can expect from this author, I will be first in line for the next book.